H-E-B may finally be coming to North Texas, and many residents are jumping for joy. But for those of you who've never lived south of Waco or walked inside an H-E-B grocery store, you may be wondering, "Why should I care?"
For starters, H-E-B is a Texas company, through-and-through.
The brand started as a family-owned business over 100 years ago in Kerrville and has grown since.
"Today H‑E‑B serves families all over Texas and Mexico in 155 communities, with more than 340 stores and over 76,000 employees," the company says on its website.
H-E-B is cheap.
Since the chain labels itself one of the "nation's largest independently owned food retailers," prices are low. It's kind of like Trader Joe's where its own products are cheaper... but with a much larger selection than TJ's (and your favorite name brand items still on the shelves).
H-E-B likes diversity.
The company says it has a "commitment to supplier diversity" and encourages a relationship with suppliers that are "minority or women-owned" businesses.
The company does good.
H-E-B is known for its community involvement, whether it's with the H-E-B Food Bank Assistance Program, its annual Feast of Sharing holiday dinners, or the Spirit of H-E-B trailer that goes to sites of natural disasters and helps those in need.
That's not even all. Take a look at the different programs H-E-B is part of here.
Did we mention that five percent of the store's pre-tax profits go to charity?
Others agree that it's the best.
Forbes calls H-E-B the "smartest supermarket you've never heard of." Business Insider labeled H-E-B "America's best grocery store" in 2014.
According to this article, the produce section alone officers more than 900 items and the "gorgeous" vegetables and fruits are always fresh. Plus you can label and weigh your own produce, so the checkout line is much faster.
Business Insider also mentions H-E-B's selection of craft, Texas and traditional brews. Plus wine, including those that are Texas-made, is always found at a reasonable price.
The article also touches on how H-E-B is ranked high on best places to work, "thanks to great benefits and a strong company culture."
